Each winter the Utah Section PGA gathers in St. George, UT for a few days that have come to define the organization’s culture as much as its competition. The annual retreat, anchored by the Winter Classic Championship, Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting, is part kickoff, part reunion, and part roadmap for the year ahead. Supported by Utah PGA partners RMT/EZGO, Oakley, Truwear, and CMC Design, this year’s event once again blended tournament play with professional development, recognition, and a confirmation of what makes the Section one of the most respected in the country.
Competition set the tone. The RMT/EZGO Winter Classic, contested at Coral Canyon Golf Course and Sand Hollow Resort in Stableford scoring format, drew another deep field of professionals eager to test their games and shake off the offseason. Nibley Park teaching professional and PGA Associate Hayden Banz delivered the performance of the week, opening with a remarkable 52 point round that set a commanding pace and ultimately secured his first Section title. Also earning title recognitions were Dustin Volk (Senior), Steve Schneiter (Super Senior) and Bob Rudd (Legends) in their respective divisions.
In the women’s division, Section newcomer Ali Mulhall added another win to her growing résumé, while several veteran players reminded everyone that experience is key in Section events. Chasing Mulhall were Emily Jones, Haley Sturgeon, Kali Quick and Sue Nyhus among others.
As always, the golf itself mattered, but the conversations each day in all divisions carried equal weight.
Those conversations took center stage at the Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting, where the Section paused to recognize excellence across the state. The two get-togethers balanced celebration with reflection, honoring achievements while reinforcing a shared responsibility to mentor the next generation. Glenwild’s Marty Bauer, the 2025 Professional of the Year, exemplifies that philosophy through his leadership and commitment to developing assistants and associates. The presence of past award recipients in attendance underscored the continuity of leadership that has defined the Utah Section for decades. The traditional group photo of the Utah PGA Professionals of the Year in attendance, joined by this year’s honoree and his wife Kelly, became a fitting highlight to close the Awards Banquet.
Click here to read more and see the photos from a great Winter Classic retreat in St, George, UT.